1 Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt
1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, 1 who rely on horses, 1 who trust in the multitude of their chariots 1 and in the great strength of their horsemen, 1 but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, 1 or seek help from the Lord.
2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; 2 he does not take back his words. 2 He will rise up against the house of the wicked, 2 against those who help evildoers.
3 But the Egyptians are men and not God; 3 their horses are flesh and not spirit. 3 When the Lord stretches out his hand, 3 he who helps will stumble, 3 he who is helped will fall; 3 both will perish together.
4 This is what the Lord says to me: 4 "As a lion growls, 4 a great lion over his prey— 4 and though a whole band of shepherds 4 is called together against him, 4 he is not frightened by their shouts 4 or disturbed by their clamor— 4 so the Lord Almighty will come down 4 to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.
5 Like birds hovering overhead, 5 the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; 5 he will shield it and deliver it, 5 he will 'pass over' it and will rescue it."
6 Return to him you have so greatly revolted against, O Israelites. 7 For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.
8 "Assyria will fall by a sword that is not of man; 8 a sword, not of mortals, will devour them. 8 They will flee before the sword 8 and their young men will be put to forced labor.
9 Their stronghold will fall because of terror; 9 at sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic," 9 declares the Lord, 9 whose fire is in Zion, 9 whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
